Alleged killer apologises to restaurant owner

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The man charged with the murder of underworld figure Andrew "Benji" Veniamin apologised to the owner of the restaurant where Tuesday's fatal shooting took place.

As Dominic "Mick" Gatto spent another day in maximum security at Port Phillip Prison, the owner of the La Porcella Pizza & Pasta Restaurant said he feared for his livelihood, as customers may be afraid to dine at the Rathdowne Street eatery.

While owner Michael Choucair did not witness the shooting, he said Gatto, a regular customer at his restaurant, told him he was "sorry it happened".

"For Mick to say sorry, it must be out of his control," Mr Choucair said. "He is a very wise man, and very calm. He would never do anything to sabotage my business."

For Mr Choucair, the underworld murder was like "a very short movie that you just can't rewind".

Already, his life has changed. He is on edge, admitting that he is tense and cautious. Emotionally drained, Mr Choucair said he has slept for only two hours since the shooting.

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He was unsure what the future held for the restaurant, which his family has owned for seven years. Mr Choucair learnt his trade at Toto's Pizza as a teenager more than 30 years ago.

"This is our life, our fortune. We don't know what will happen to us," he said.

Mr Choucair regarded Gatto as a good friend. Gatto, 48, of Doncaster East, is confined to a cell in Port Phillip Prison for 23 hours a day. He will appear in the Melbourne Magistrates Court in July but his lawyer, George Defteros, said his client would apply for bail.

Mr Choucair referred to Gatto yesterday as "a gentleman-and-a-half" who demanded, but also delivered, respect. He said Veniamin, the main suspect in at least four underworld killings and also a close associate of alleged drug trafficker Carl Williams, visited the restaurant to meet Gatto "from time to time".

"In this industry, you cannot be selective, you can't choose who comes in," he said. "This is a public place, it's open to everybody."

Police are known to visit the restaurant, which has been a popular place for families. Mr Choucair estimated that 90 per cent of customers were families.

The restaurant reopened yesterday. Mr Choucair hoped his regular customers would not be scared off by the shooting. "I just hope that my life gets back to normal," he said.

Mr Choucair thanked his family and friends for the support over the past few days. "That has given me the encouragement to carry on."